FAQ
TL;DR: Home users printing ~10 pages/week saw "For over a year, the printer printed 658 pages" on a CISS inkjet; lasers avoid clogs but watch running costs. [Elektroda, płetwa, post #16983505]
Why it matters: This FAQ helps budget‑minded buyers choose a reliable home color printer or MFP without surprise costs.
Quick Facts
- Target budget noted: 1000–1200 PLN; lower welcome if reliable. [Elektroda, MrxPL, post #16978030]
- OKI C511dn price spotted: ~650 PLN new at the time. [Elektroda, MrxPL, post #16978030]
- Usage profile cited: ~10 pages/week, with rare 100‑page burst days. [Elektroda, MrxPL, post #16978030]
- EcoTank ink bottles: 70 ml around 25 PLN; very low per‑page cost. [Elektroda, roman106, post #16983645]
- Rule of thumb: “The cheaper the device, the more expensive it is.” [Elektroda, DiZMar, post #16978128]
What’s the best color laser printer for home under 1200 PLN?
Prioritize low running costs and reliability. The thread starter ended up choosing a new Brother DCP‑9015CDW for a compact, home‑friendly color MFP. Consider models with duplex and network/Wi‑Fi if space and convenience matter. “The cheaper the device, the more expensive it is” remains a solid filter when comparing toner yields and unit prices. [Elektroda, MrxPL, post #16986581]
Is OKI C511dn a good budget pick and what about toner replacements?
It was seen around 650 PLN, making it attractive. The OP noted cheap third‑party sets on marketplaces but had read about "circuses" with consumables on related predecessors (C301/C311dn). If you choose it, verify chip compatibility and firmware before buying bulk toners. [Elektroda, MrxPL, post #16978030]
Should I consider a used Konica Minolta Bizhub C35 instead?
Some members endorsed the Bizhub C35 for sensible color printing, but typical listings started near 1500 PLN used, plus original toner costs. It’s larger than most home MFPs, so measure your space and factor service history. [Elektroda, zen3x, post #16983289]
Are inkjets viable for low‑volume home use?
Yes, if you pick tank/CISS models and print periodically. One user’s Brother DCP‑T500W printed 658 pages in just over a year on bundled inks. That supports very low cost per page and fewer cartridge swaps. [Elektroda, płetwa, post #16983505]
Are modern inkjets really unreliable compared with lasers?
A service‑oriented member reported that newer inkjets often aren’t worth repairing, calling many units “endless scrap.” For risk‑averse buyers, a color laser or a tank‑based inkjet reduces clog‑related headaches. [Elektroda, suri1986, post #16983632]
What is CISS and why does it matter?
CISS means Continuous Ink Supply System. Instead of small cartridges, you refill external tanks with bottled ink. Benefits include much lower cost per page and fewer replacements. Real‑world report: a Brother tank model handled everyday documents and photos inexpensively. [Elektroda, płetwa, post #16983505]
How cheap are EcoTank‑style inks in practice?
A user with two years of EcoTank experience cited 70 ml bottles at about 25 PLN and noted minimal ink use despite photo printing. That translates to very low ongoing costs for light‑to‑moderate home workloads. [Elektroda, roman106, post #16983645]
Laser vs inkjet for occasional bursts (like 100 pages in a day)?
A laser handles sporadic duty cycles well and avoids nozzle clogs during quiet weeks. If your baseline is ~10 pages weekly with rare 100‑page spikes, a compact color laser or robust tank inkjet both fit. Check space and consumable pricing. [Elektroda, MrxPL, post #16978030]
What did the original poster ultimately buy and why?
They chose a new Brother DCP‑9015CDW over a used Bizhub, citing the need for a new, not‑too‑large device. That aligns with home environments where footprint and warranty matter more than enterprise features. [Elektroda, MrxPL, post #16986581]
Quick 3‑step method to choose a home color printer?
- Set a hard budget and estimate monthly pages, including rare bursts.
- Compare cost per page and duty cycle; remember: “The cheaper the device, the more expensive it is.”
- Decide MFP vs single‑function based on scanning needs and space.
[Elektroda, DiZMar, post #16978128]
Any failure risks I should know before buying?
One warning: a formatter (main board) can fail suddenly, making repairs uneconomical versus replacement. Keep receipts, consider extended warranties, and back up drivers/firmware to reduce downtime if that edge case hits. [Elektroda, suri1986, post #16983693]
Do I need a scanner or a full MFP at home?
If you occasionally scan forms, an MFP saves space versus a separate flatbed. The OP sought a scanner and resolved it with a compact color laser MFP, balancing footprint and features. [Elektroda, MrxPL, post #16978030]
Are marketplace toners safe to buy for older OKI models?
The OP flagged low‑cost sets but also reports of issues with predecessor series. If you buy third‑party consumables, test a single set first and avoid bulk until quality proves consistent. [Elektroda, MrxPL, post #16978030]
Is there a simple rule to balance device price and running cost?
Yes. “The cheaper the device, the more expensive it is.” Use that to weigh starter price against toner yields, drum costs, and expected lifespan. [Elektroda, DiZMar, post #16978128]
